"This book is the historical documentation of the women who braved the colonial rulers of India and committed themselves to the fight for the freedom of the country. They were focused on only one goal—the freedom of the country.

"Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu, Aruna Asaf Ali, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Madame Bhikaji Cama and Margaret Cousins, who were among the early pioneers of the women’s nationalist movement in India, inspired thousands of other women, and also men, to take up cudgels against the British. Their fight was for freedom and in this historic struggle, the role of women in the nationalist movement cannot be underplayed.

"The editors have conducted intensive research in archival records and historical documents to present a living record of the activities of the brave women who participated in the nationalist movement. They have sifted through hundreds of papers and documents to bring their story to life so that it could be an inspiring saga for the youth of later generations who would be living in a country faced with problems of a different nature and give them the courage and fortitude to overcome and fight them.

"This book will be of special interest to those who wish to know more about the people who worked towards the freedom of the country and brought it to a successful culmination. Students of history, sociologists, teachers and academics will find it interesting reading and worthwhile research material." (jacket)